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The Recipe · No.816 · Tarator (Tahini Sauce)

Tarator (Tahini Sauce), and where to source it

Tarator (Tahini Sauce) — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Tarator (Tahini Sauce) Middle Eastern 5best2buy.com

The tahini seizes into a thick paste the moment the lemon juice hits it; that is supposed to happen. Keep whisking in ice-cold water a spoon at a time and it loosens back into a pale, pourable cream.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makes1 cup
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
Contains  sesame
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cup
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Tahini
Pure sesame paste; stir it well before measuring. A runny, quality tahini blends smoothest.
1/2 cuprecommended
Source it →
Lemon juice
Fresh juice is what thickens then brightens the sauce. A fragrant lemon is best.
1/4 cuprecommended
Source it →
Garlic
Crushed to a fine paste with salt so there are no raw chunks. Fresh, firm heads.
1 cloverecommended
Source it →
Ice water
Added a little at a time to relax the seized paste. Local.
1/4 cuprecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Mix the baseWhisk the tahini, garlic paste, and lemon juice; it will seize into a thick clump.
  2. LoosenWhisk in ice water a spoon at a time until it turns pale and pourable.
  3. SeasonAdjust with salt and a little more lemon to taste.
The Toolkit

Mixing bowl · Whisk · Citrus press

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Tarator (Tahini Sauce)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Tarator (Tahini Sauce) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Tarator (Tahini Sauce) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Tarator (Tahini Sauce) vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.816

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